Marc Quinn and Figurative Sculpture

Sheffield's Collections: Walking Man by George Fullard

George Fullard (1923–1973) studied at Sheffield School of Art and the Royal College of Art. In the Second World War he served in the army and received near fatal injuries in the Battle of Monte Cassino.

The effect of his wartime experiences can be seen in his work. He became a well-established young sculptor exploring the theme of war in a deeply personal and unique way. Fullard was Head of Sculpture at the Chelsea School of Art when he died in 1973.

Walking Man was first made in 1957 in cement, and was not cast in bronze until 1985, after being bought by the Sheffield City Council. The figure is slightly less than life size and wears a tightly buttoned coat with the collar open and turned up. The man's stride swings his full length coat slightly forward while the backward tilt of his upper body creates a counter motion. His hands are not clearly defined, but his bare head is distinctive, being sharply featured and set on a long neck.

From 1985 to May 1998 the sculpture could be found on the entrance steps of the Sheffield Town Hall extension, poorly sited in a dark space between the arches supporting the first floor of the building. He was often variously seen with a cigarette stuck between his lips, a beer can tucked under his arm, or a traffic cone placed on his head, all apparently irresistible additions from late night revellers. In 2005 the 'Walking Man' moved to the exterior of the Winter Gardens facing Tudor Square in Sheffield.

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